Norwegian Epic Review
Rating by category
Additional details
An interesting itinerary was the main factor for choosing this cruise as well as previously positive experiences with NCL (we have been on more than 5 cruises with them before). Besides, we had a birthday to celebrate.
After we boarded the ship, and throughout the cruise, we could not help but notice a complete lack of enthusiasm by the crew - even including the cruise director. As if they weren't happy to be where they are, as if they wished to be somewhere else but ended up on a cruise ship instead. Stunningly, the morale was so low and the atmosphere so toxic, we could not wait for the cruise to end and to abandon this ship... Did I mention they forgot we had a birthday to celebrate? Even after we reminded them?
We should have paid attention to the early warning signals. First, NCL dropped one of the ports (Bonaire) - shortly after we booked the cruise. Then, the cabin prices for the cruise plummeted below $50 per day - even including the premium cabins. While we paid well above that, NCL did not even upgrade our cabin (!) though we've been their platinum guests...
Cabin Review
Inside
Poor cabin design compared to other NCL ships - the sink and the toilet are right in the cabin; no privacy and the smells are everywhere.
Port Reviews
Curacao
Willemstad is a funky small port town with fun shopping and cozy little cafes. Very safe to walk, nice colourful building facades.
Martinique
Nothing to see and do - especially on Sundays. Some areas aren't safe.
Guadeloupe
Not much to do around the port. Not clean, does not feel safe.
Aruba
not much to see but the story is interesting and the ride is fun; one time is enough.
St. Lucia
Spent most of our time in traffic breathing exhaust fumes.